Akron's Goodyear Heights neighborhood celebrated a milestone with the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the renovated Reservoir Park Community Center and Pool. Mayor Shammas Malik, joined by Ward 10 Councilmember Sharon Connor, and a slew of city and community representatives, marked the completion of the community center's modernization on Hillside Terrace. According to the City of Akron's press release, this center will start hosting programs in November, while the pool is set for a Spring 2026 reopening.
The pool's enhancements, which are part of a $10 million renovation funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars, include a 15-foot slide, 25-meter lap lanes, a climbing wall, and a revamped bathhouse. For the community center, upgrades feature a new entrance, a multi-purpose room, and spaces designated for art and games. "This project was a long time coming for the Goodyear Heights community," said Mayor Malik. "They now have a beautiful gathering space to host kids and their families for many, many years to come," according to the City of Akron.
Councilwoman Sharon Connor expressed the neighborhood's anticipation of the project, "Our neighborhood has been eagerly awaiting both the community center update and the pool for quite a while," she affirmed, in a statement obtained by the City of Akron. According to Connor, the improvements will serve beyond leisure, providing water fitness options for residents with mobility challenges. The upgraded community spaces are expected to bolster opportunities for events and diverse programming.
The history of the Reservoir Community Center dates back to 1933, originally serving as a playground building. Noteworthy changes occurred in 1990 with the inclusion of a kitchen and community room. Recent renovations have necessitated the demolition of the 1990 structure, paving the way for a 4800 sq. ft. addition. Moreover, the original pool and bathhouse were constructed in 1968, making this upgrade a significant overhaul of the decades-old facilities.
